The Ns-Star: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On July 14, 2026, the cargo ship "NS Star" faced detention at Gemlik harbor due to a staggering 35 identified deficiencies. Among these, ten were categorized as severe enough to warrant immediate action, raising significant safety and compliance concerns. Key issues included: 1) Life-saving appliances - Maintenance and inspections were found to be missing. 2) Life-saving appliances - Rescue boat inventory was incomplete. 3) Life-saving appliances - Line-throwing appliances were expired. 4) Safety of navigation - Charts on board were no longer valid. 5) Fire safety - Jacketed high-pressure lines and oil leakage alarms did not meet required standards. 6) Fire safety - Fire fighting equipment was reported missing. 7) Fire safety - Fire doors and openings within fire-resistant divisions were inoperative. 8) Fire safety - Other miscellaneous fire safety equipment was deemed inadequate. 9) Pollution prevention - The Ballast Water Management System was not properly maintained. 10) Water/Weathertight - Ventilators, air pipes, and casings were found cracked. Following the detention, the vessel was allowed to resume operations on July 18 for a single voyage to Durres, where permanent repairs could be carried out. Notably, this was not the first detention for the "NS Star"; it had previously been detained on May 27, 2025, in Kocaeli, again for serious compliance issues, with 22 deficiencies noted during that incident. This latest event underscores the ongoing challenges of maritime safety and regulatory compliance in the shipping industry.

On May 27, 2025, the vessel 'NS Star' was detained in the port of Kocaeli, facing a total of 22 reported deficiencies. Among these, four were deemed particularly severe, leading to the ship's detention. The critical issues included: 1) Malfunctioning steering gear alarm; 2) Inoperative remote controls for machinery spaces, impacting fire safety; 3) Non-compliance of control means; and 4) Propulsion main engine failing to meet required standards. Following the resolution of these deficiencies, the 'NS Star' was released the same day and set sail for Odesa.

On October 22, 2010, at approximately 10 a.m., the tugboat 'Hunter' from the salvage company Noordgat successfully towed the disabled cargo ship 'Paper Star' into the port of Harlingen. The 'Paper Star' experienced a steering gear failure on the evening of October 21 and had to anchor roughly 30 miles north of Terschelling at coordinates 53°50.3' N, 4°54' E. Prior to the incident, the vessel, which was en route from Szczecin, had navigated through the Kiel Canal on October 19. During the towing operation, the line connecting 'Hunter' to 'Paper Star' broke while entering the Stortegat but was swiftly reattached. The towage operation is anticipated to be handed over to the tug 'Anita' in the Blauwe Slenk.